20 Pictures of the World’s Most Colorful Beaches

When you think of a beach, you think of wonderful blue waters and white sands. To be sure, that’s always an amazing sight, and the act of being physically at the beach is something that few people in the world can resist.

But, here’s the thing. Not all of the beaches in the world share that same look. In fact, there are some beaches that, for a number of different reasons, end up being incredibly colorful.

If you’ve never had the chance to experience one of these beaches for yourself, then you really should. There’s something almost alien about stepping onto a beach that subverts the very image of what you think a beach is supposed to be. All told, this serve to really heighten the enjoyment you get out of going to the beach in the first place.

So, what are these beaches, where are they located, and what is that makes them so special. That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring below, as we share 20 pictures of the world’s most colorful beaches with you!

1. Vik Beach (Iceland)

Iceland has some incredible-looking beaches, not the least of which is this black-sand beach.

2. Aurora Galore

But, as beautiful as the beach itself is, the whole area proves a wonderful backdrop for checking out aurorae.

3. Pink Sands Beach (Bahamas)

Located on Harbour Island, this may be one of the most famous ‘colorful’ beaches in the entire world.

4. Pink Sand

The pink sands of the beach are caused by a mix of crushed up red shells and coral.

5. Porto Ferro (Italy)

If you ever make the trip to Sardinia, you’ll have the chance to check out this one-of-a-kind beach.

6. Orange Sand

The unique orange sand that gives this beach its signature look is due to volcanic rock and limestone.

7. Ramla Bay (Malta)

Really interested in checking out orange-sand beaches? Then you can also check out this one in Gozo, Malta.

8. Orange Sand

The color here is due to the high iron content of the sand. If you visit, be sure to check out the nearby ruins!

9. Papakolea Beach (Hawaii)

If you’re having trouble pronouncing this beach’s name, then you can just refer to it by it’s other name: Green Sand Beach.

10. Green Sand

The green sand on the beach is due to a nearby volcano that erupted and deposited olivine on the shore.

11. Panalu’u Beach

Here’s another Hawaiian beach, this one on the Big Island, with a name that might be hard to pronounce.

12. Black Sand Beach

But, you can refer to it as Black Sand Beach due to its black sands that are caused by volcanic rock.

13. Pfeiffer Beach (California)

Located in the absolutely gorgeous and intoxicating town of Big Sur, this California beach is a real stunner.

14. Purple Swirls

A mix of crushed up granite crystals have conspired to give this beach an ever-changing appearance of swirling purples.

15. Kaihalulu Beach (Hawaii)

On Maui, you’ll find this absolutely intoxicating beach, which also goes by the name of Red Sand Beach.

16. Red Sands

The red sand is a direct result of ongoing erosion from the cinder volcano that looms overhead.

17. Horseshoe Beach (Bermuda)

There are plenty of gorgeous beaches to check out in Bermuda, but only one of them is an intoxicating pink.

18. Pink Sands

The pink color of the sand is due to a mix of sea shells, calcium carbonate and broken apart coral.

19. Muriwai Beach (New Zealand)

You’ve seen a black sand beach, but have you seen one like this that actually sparkles in the sunlight?

20. Sparkling Black Sand

If you want to check out this incredible stunner on your own, you’ll only need to take a 37-mile from downtown Auckland.